Thailand Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All nationalities require passports valid for at least six months. Travelers entering Thailand are required to prove they have sufficient funds to cover the length of their stay, and are recommended to hold documentation for return/onward travel. If issued a visa prior to arrival, travelers are permitted to travel on a one-way ticket.

Americans

US passport in good condition required for US citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for tourist stay of max. 30 days.

UK Nationals

Visas are not required for travel by UK passport holders endorsed British Citizen, or British National (Overseas) issued in Hong Kong, for periods of 30 days or less. Other UK passport holders require a visa. Passport muct be valid for six months beyond intended travel.

Canadians

Canadian Passport required for Canadian citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for tourist stay of max. 30 days.

Australians

Australia Passport required for Australian citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for tourist stay of max. 30 days. APEC Business Travel Card holders endorsed for Thailand may stay up to 90 days.

South Africans

SA Passport required for SA citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for tourist stay of max. 30 days.

Irish Nationals

Irish Passport required for Irish citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for tourist stay of max. 30 days.

New Zealanders

New Zealand passport required for New Zealand nationals valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for tourist stay of max. 30 days. APEC Business Travel Card holders endorsed for Thailand may stay up to 90 days.

Healthcare

As a health precaution, travelers should take medical advice at least three weeks before traveling to Thailand. Malaria is a risk outside Bangkok and the major tourist resorts, and immunization against Hepatitis A and typhoid fever is also advised. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travelers from infected areas. There has been an increase in reported cases of dengue fever, particularly in the south, and vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also recommended. Outbreaks of leptospirosis occur during the rainy season and after flooding. There have been outbreaks of waterborne diseases in the Provinces of Khon Kaen, Lop Buri, Phitsanulok and Prachin Buri. Outbreaks of cholera have also been reported. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during your visit you should seek immediate medical attention.There have been outbreaks of bird flu in poultry, and several human deaths, although the risk of travelers contracting the disease is slight; contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. HIV/AIDS is prevalent in the major cities and resorts. Medical facilities are good in major cities, but good medical insurance is vital - without insurance, or cash/credit card, travelers will not be treated. Bangkok has excellent international hospitals.

Safety

The political situation in Thailand is very uncertain. There have been major political demonstrations in Bangkok and outbreaks of violence. There is a threat to westerners from terrorism throughout South East Asia and travelers should be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist resorts. Avoid the border areas and don't camp in undesignated areas in national parks. Visitors to major cities are advised to secure their passports and credit cards and not carry too much money or jewelry. In Bangkok visitors should be aware of scams, often involving gems recommended by kind strangers. In tourist areas, particularly at the Full Moon Party on Ko Phan Ngan, be careful about accepting drinks from strangers as there have been reporteds of drinks being drugged. Incidents of sexual assault do occur and female travelers should be cautious. The security situation in the southern provinces near the Malaysian border is unstable and travel to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat and Songkhla is to be avoided - the government has announced a state of emergency in the area. Violence near the Preah Vihear temple area has been recurrent and visitors are advised to avoid travel there. Further attacks could take place in areas frequented by foreigners. Thai authorities have put security measures in place throughout the country, including Bangkok. There have been several sinkings of passenger boats thought to be caused by overloading. The monsoon season in September and October (November to March on Koh Samui) brings about flooding in the north, north-east and central regions, causing mudslides and flash floods; visitors planning to trek in the jungle during this time should check conditions with licensed tour guides before leaving.